Vermont task force urges training, grants and system supports to improve social worker safety

Lynn Greer Stanley, executive director of the National Association of Social Workers’ Vermont chapter, told the House Committee on Human Services that a task force formed under Act 115 found service gaps, workforce shortages and client transitions raise risks to social service providers and to the people they serve.

The task force, Stanley said, recommended a combination of tailored training, systemic supports and targeted grant funding to protect workers and reduce burnout. “We contend that these issues must be addressed concurrently as this is a circular problem. Lack of services and resources contribute to increased violence, and increased violence contributes to the lack of social service providers,” Stanley said.

The presentation summarized state and national data the task force used to frame the recommendations. Stanley said…